Landmark tower slowly giving in

After two failed attempts to raze former church's steeple, the end may finally be near

Tower top topples at St. Patrick's

Updated 9:52 pm, Thursday, May 16, 2013

A crane begins the demolition of St. Patrick's Church on 19th Street in Watervliet. The church is being torn down to make way for a Price Chopper supermarket. For more than a week, demolition crews have tried unsuccessfully to bring down the tower, the only remaining part of the historic structure. (Kenneth C. Crowe II / Times Union)

A crane begins the demolition of St. Patrick's Church on 19th...

Crane tackles St. Patrick's tower
/ Times Union

A crane towers over St. Patrick's Church Thursday morning as a demolition crew prepares to tear down the tower. (Kenneth C. Crowe II / Times Union)

A crane towers over St. Patrick's Church Thursday morning as a...

Dust flies as tower crumbles
/ Times Union

Water sprayed on tower to cut down dust
/ Times Union

Demolition workers pour water on St. Patrick's Church tower as a crane levels the structure on Thursday, May 16, 2013.. (Kenneth C. Crowe II / Times Union)

Demolition workers pour water on St. Patrick's Church tower as a...

A crane pulls out chunks of St. Patrick's Church tower in Watervliet on Thursday, May 16, 2013. (Bob Gardinier / Times Union)

A crane pulls out chunks of St. Patrick's Church tower in...

People gather to watch as the demolition of the bell tower at the former St. Patrick's Church began on Thursday, May 16, 2013 in Watervliet, NY. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)

People gather to watch as the demolition of the bell tower at the...

A crane pulls out chunks of St. Patrick's Church tower in Watervliet on Thursday, May 16, 2013. (Bob Gardinier / Times Union)

A crane pulls out chunks of St. Patrick's Church tower in...

People gather to watch as the demolition of the bell tower at the former St. Patrick's Church began on Thursday, May 16, 2013 in Watervliet, NY. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)

People gather to watch as the demolition of the bell tower at the...

A large crane with a clamshell bucket comes down on a part of the church as the demolition of the bell tower at the former St. Patrick's Church began on Thursday, May 16, 2013 in Watervliet, NY. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)

A large crane with a clamshell bucket comes down on a part of the...

A large crane with a clamshell bucket comes down on a part of the church as the demolition of the bell tower at the former St. Patrick's Church began on Thursday, May 16, 2013 in Watervliet, NY. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)

A large crane with a clamshell bucket comes down on a part of the...

People gather to watch as the demolition of the bell tower at the former St. Patrick's Church began on Thursday, May 16, 2013 in Watervliet, NY. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)

People gather to watch as the demolition of the bell tower at the...

A crane has already taken away chunks of the top of the bell tower at St Patrick's Church on Thursday, May 16, 2013. (Kenneth C. Crowe II / Times Union)

A crane has already taken away chunks of the top of the bell tower...

Crane takes a chunk out of the top of the St. Patrick's Church bell tower on Wednesday, May 16, 2013, in Watervliet. (Kenneth C. Crowe / Times Union)

Crane takes a chunk out of the top of the St. Patrick's Church bell...

People gather to watch as the demolition of the bell tower at the former St. Patrick's Church began on Thursday, May 16, 2013 in Watervliet, NY. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)

People gather to watch as the demolition of the bell tower at the...

Demolition of the bell tower continues at the former St. Patrick's Church began on Thursday, May 16, 2013 in Watervliet, NY. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)

Demolition of the bell tower continues at the former St. Patrick's...

Demolition work continued Monday morning at St. Patrick's Church on 19th Street in Watervliet. (Kenneth C. Crowe II / Times Union)

Demolition work continued Monday morning at St. Patrick's Church on...

Demolition work continued Monday morning at St. Patrick's Church on 19th Street in Watervliet. (Kenneth C. Crowe II / Times Union)

Demolition work continued Monday morning at St. Patrick's Church on...

Little remains of St. Patrick's Church tower on 19th Street in Watervliet at a demolition crew got back to work Monday. (Kenneth C. Crowe II / Times Union)

Little remains of St. Patrick's Church tower on 19th Street in...

St. Patrick's demolition, May 20, 2013
/ Times Union

St. Patrick's bell tower is slowly picked apart as demolition of the former church continues in Watervliet, NY Friday May 17, 2013. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

St. Patrick's bell tower is slowly picked apart as demolition of...

St. Patrick's bell tower is slowly picked apart as demolition of the former church continues in Watervliet, NY Friday May 17, 2013. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

St. Patrick's bell tower is slowly picked apart as demolition of...

St. Patrick's bell tower is slowly picked apart as demolition of the former church continues in Watervliet, NY Friday May 17, 2013. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

St. Patrick's bell tower is slowly picked apart as demolition of...

St. Patrick's bell tower is slowly picked apart as demolition of the former church continues in Watervliet, NY Friday May 17, 2013. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

St. Patrick's bell tower is slowly picked apart as demolition of...

A driver pulls over to watch along with other pedestrians as the demolition of the bell tower at the former St. Patrick's Church began on Thursday, May 16, 2013 in Watervliet, NY. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)

A driver pulls over to watch along with other pedestrians as the...

A clamshell bucket on a large crane, causes a section to crumble as the demolition of the bell tower at the former St. Patrick's Church began on Thursday, May 16, 2013 in Watervliet, NY. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)

A clamshell bucket on a large crane, causes a section to crumble as...

The tower is dismantled as the demolition continues of the bell tower at the former St. Patrick's Church began on Thursday, May 16, 2013 in Watervliet, NY. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)

The tower is dismantled as the demolition continues of the bell...

A crane removes part of the top of St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet on Thursday, May 16, 2013. (Bob Gardinier / Times Union)

A crane removes part of the top of St. Patrick's Church in...

A crane removes part of the top of St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet on Thursday, May 16, 2013. (Bob Gardinier / Times Union)

A crane removes part of the top of St. Patrick's Church in...

Big gap in tower's top
/ Times Union

Workers continue to set up a large crane on the site of the former St. Patrick's church on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 in Watervliet, NY. The crane will be used to demolish the church's bell tower. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)

Workers continue to set up a large crane on the site of the former...

The clamshell for a crane that will stand taller than the bell tower as demolition continues at the former St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet on Wednesday, May 15, 2013. (Bob Gardinier/Times Union)

The clamshell for a crane that will stand taller than the bell...

A message is left on the fence outside the remnants of St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet on Wednesday, May 15, 2013. A demolition crew will try to pull down the tower later in the day. (Mike Goodwin / Times Union)

A message is left on the fence outside the remnants of St....

Crane in place for razing St. Patrick's Church tower on Wednesday, May 15, 2013. (Kenneth C. Crowe II / Times Union)

Crane in place for razing St. Patrick's Church tower on Wednesday,...

Workers continue to set up a large crane on the site of the former St. Patrick's church on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 in Watervliet, NY. The crane will be used to demolish the church's bell tower. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)

Workers continue to set up a large crane on the site of the former...

Workers continue to set up a large crane on the site of the former St. Patrick's church on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 in Watervliet, NY. The crane will be used to demolish the church's bell tower. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)

Workers continue to set up a large crane on the site of the former...

Workers continue to set up a large crane on the site of the former St. Patrick's church on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 in Watervliet, NY. The crane will be used to demolish the church's bell tower. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)

Workers continue to set up a large crane on the site of the former...

Beneath gray skies stands the large crane trucked to the site to demolish the bell tower of the former St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 15, 2013. (Kenneth C. Crowe II / Times Union)

The base of a big crane to be used in St. Patrick's Church bell tower demolition is moved into place in Watervliet, N.Y., on Tuesday, May 14, 2013. (Kenneth C. Crowe/Times Union)

The base of a big crane to be used in St. Patrick's Church bell...

Workers prepare a crane for lifting part of larger crane that will be used to raze the St. Patrick's Church bell tower in Watervliet, N.Y., on Tuesday, May 14, 2013. (Kenneth C. Crowe / Times Union)

Workers prepare a crane for lifting part of larger crane that will...

A large crane was delivered to take down the bell tower on St Patrick's Church on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. The crane still needs to be assembled and should be ready to use in a day or two. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

A large crane was delivered to take down the bell tower on St...

A large crane was delivered to take down the bell tower on St Patrick's Church on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. The crane still needs to be assembled and should be ready to use in a day or two. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

A large crane was delivered to take down the bell tower on St...

The tower at St. Patrick's Church begins to come down as a demolition crew begins the final stage in the leveling of the structure. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

The tower at St. Patrick's Church begins to come down as a...

Two-year-old Vega de Seve joins supporters on Sunday evening, May 12, 2013, at the site of the former St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet. Demolition crews will try once again on Monday to raze the remaining portion of the building to make way for a supermarket. (Jimmy Vielkind/Times Union)

Two-year-old Vega de Seve joins supporters on Sunday evening, May...

Supporters with flashlights and cell phone lights gather on Sunday evening, May 12, 2013, to illuminate the former St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet. Demolition crews will try once again on Monday to raze the remaining portion of the building to make way for a supermarket. (Jimmy Vielkind/Times Union)

Supporters with flashlights and cell phone lights gather on Sunday...

Supporters with flashlights and cell phone lights gather on Sunday evening, May 12, 2013, to illuminate the former St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet. Demolition crews will try once again on Monday to raze the remaining portion of the building to make way for a supermarket. (Jimmy Vielkind/Times Union)

Supporters with flashlights and cell phone lights gather on Sunday...

Olivia Miller, 6, brought a flashlight to a Sunday evening vigil on May 12, 2013, for the tower of St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet. The 123-year-old structure is scheduled to be torn down Monday morning. (Jimmy Vielkind/Times Union)

On Saturday, the tower of St. Patrick's Church still stood after it withstood attempts to bring it down on Thursday and Friday. (Kristen V. Brown/Times Union)

On Saturday, the tower of St. Patrick's Church still stood after it...

The sides of the bell tower at the former St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet, NY are pulled apart as demolition continues Friday May 10, 2013. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

The sides of the bell tower at the former St. Patrick's Church in...

Jerry Couser of Waterford holds his grandson Lucas Pace, 3, of Colonie as they watch as demolition continues on the former St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet, NY Friday May 10, 2013. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

Jerry Couser of Waterford holds his grandson Lucas Pace, 3, of...

The sides of the bell tower at the former St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet, NY are pulled apart as demolition continues Friday May 10, 2013. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

The sides of the bell tower at the former St. Patrick's Church in...

Cables being used to pull down the bell tower at the former St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet, NY snap delaying demolition yet again Friday May 10, 2013. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

Cables being used to pull down the bell tower at the former St....

Residents watch as demolition continues on the former St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet, NY Friday May 10, 2013. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

Residents watch as demolition continues on the former St. Patrick's...

Cables being used to pull down the bell tower at the former St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet, NY snap delaying demolition yet again Friday May 10, 2013. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

Cables being used to pull down the bell tower at the former St....

Workers attach steel cables to the bell tower at the former St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet, NY as demolition continues Friday May 10, 2013. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

Workers attach steel cables to the bell tower at the former St....

Jerry Couser of Waterford holds his grandson Lucas Pace, 3, of Colonie as they watch as demolition continues on the former St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet, NY Friday May 10, 2013. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

Jerry Couser of Waterford holds his grandson Lucas Pace, 3, of...

Residents watch as demolition continues on the former St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet, NY Friday May 10, 2013. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

Residents watch as demolition continues on the former St. Patrick's...

Angela Mastan of Citizens for St.Patricks watches as demolition continues on the former St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet, NY Friday May 10, 2013. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

Angela Mastan of Citizens for St.Patricks watches as demolition...

Cables being used to pull down the bell tower at the former St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet, NY snap delaying demolition yet again Friday May 10, 2013. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

Cables being used to pull down the bell tower at the former St....

Workers prepare to remove the top 30 feet of the remaining portion of St. Patrick's Church May 9, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

Workers prepare to remove the top 30 feet of the remaining portion...

Metal gates are removed Monday from the front of the bell tower on the former St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet. (Special to the Times Union)

Metal gates are removed Monday from the front of the bell tower on...

The demolition of the former St. Patrick's Church on Thursday May 9, 2013 in Watervliet N.Y. (Michael P. Farrell/Times Union)

The demolition of the former St. Patrick's Church on Thursday May...

Piece of roof falls from St. Patrick's during demolition
/ Times Union

A crowd watches during the demolition of the former St. Patrick's Church on Thursday May 9, 2013 in Watervliet N.Y. (Michael P. Farrell/Times Union)

A crowd watches during the demolition of the former St. Patrick's...

A worker lays out a cable during the demolition of the former St. Patrick's Church on Thursday May 9, 2013 in Watervliet N.Y. (Michael P. Farrell/Times Union)

A worker lays out a cable during the demolition of the former St....

Siena student Eden Alaxanian reaches through a space in the fence to photograph the demolition of the former St. Patrick's Church on Thursday May 9, 2013 in Watervliet N.Y. (Michael P. Farrell/Times Union)

Siena student Eden Alaxanian reaches through a space in the fence...

A piece of rigging breaks as workers try to remove the top 30 feet of the remaining portion of St. Patrick's Church May 9, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

A piece of rigging breaks as workers try to remove the top 30 feet...

Workers prepare to remove the top 30 feet of the remaining portion of St. Patrick's Church May 9, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

Workers prepare to remove the top 30 feet of the remaining portion...

Workers prepare to remove the top 30 feet of the remaining portion of St. Patrick's Church May 9, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

Workers prepare to remove the top 30 feet of the remaining portion...

Some say a face can be seen on this piece of wreckage at the former St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet.
()

Some say a face can be seen on this piece of wreckage at the former...

Neighbors watch as workers prepare to remove the cross atop the former St. Patrick's church in Watervliet Tuesday Feb. 19, 2013. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

Neighbors watch as workers prepare to remove the cross atop the...

Workers prepare to remove the top 30' of the remaining portion of St. Patrick's Church May 9, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

Workers prepare to remove the top 30' of the remaining portion of...

Workers prepare to remove the top 30 feet of the remaining portion of St. Patrick's Church May 9, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

Workers prepare to remove the top 30 feet of the remaining portion...

Bystanders gather to watch workers prepare to remove the top 30 feet of the remaining portion of St. Patrick's Church May 9, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

Bystanders gather to watch workers prepare to remove the top 30...

Workers prepare to remove the top 30' of the remaining portion of St. Patrick's Church May 9, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

Workers prepare to remove the top 30' of the remaining portion of...

Some say a face can be seen on this piece of wreckage at the former St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet.
()

Some say a face can be seen on this piece of wreckage at the former...

Cable is placed to bring down the last piece of the bell tower at St Patrick's Church by demolition crew on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

Cable is placed to bring down the last piece of the bell tower at...

Spectators watch as cable is placed for the last piece of the bell tower at St Patrick's Church to be taken down by demolition crew on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

Spectators watch as cable is placed for the last piece of the bell...

Cable is placed to bring down the last piece of the bell tower at St Patrick's Church by demolition crew on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

Cable is placed to bring down the last piece of the bell tower at...

Cable is placed to bring down the last piece of the bell tower at St Patrick's Church by demolition crew on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

Cable is placed to bring down the last piece of the bell tower at...

The bell from the former St. Patrick's Church arrives Tuesday morning at the Watervliet Historical Society. (Kenneth C. Crowe II/Times Union)

The bell from the former St. Patrick's Church arrives Tuesday...

Peggy Germano, left, and Marylou Ragosta look at the bell from St. Patrick's Church which is on display in front of the Watervliet Historical Society Museum on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. Both ladies are from Watervliet and are members of the Watervliet Historical Society. The over 7000 pound bell was cast in 1906 at Meneely & Co. which used to be just across the street from this museum. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

Peggy Germano, left, and Marylou Ragosta look at the bell from St....

The bell from St. Patrick's Church is on display in front of the Watervliet Historical Society Museum on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. The over 7000 pound bell was cast in 1906 at Meneely & Co. which used to be just across the street from this museum. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

The bell from St. Patrick's Church is on display in front of the...

The bell from St. Patrick's Church is on display in front of the Watervliet Historical Society Museum on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. The over 7000 pound bell was cast in 1906 at Meneely & Co. which used to be just across the street from this museum. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

The bell from St. Patrick's Church is on display in front of the...

A small crowd of people gather to look at the bell from St. Patrick's Church which is on display in front of the Watervliet Historical Society Museum on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. The over 7000 pound bell was cast in 1906 at Meneely & Co. which used to be just across the street from this museum. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

A small crowd of people gather to look at the bell from St....

Onlookers watch as demolition continues on St. Patrick's Church on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

Onlookers watch as demolition continues on St. Patrick's Church on...

St. Patrick's Church's bell tower which is 137 feet tall still stands as debris from the demolition of the main part of the church is removed on Monday, May 6, 2013 in Watervilet, N.Y. By the end of the day or tomorrow they are supposed to cut off the top of the tower. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

St. Patrick's Church's bell tower which is 137 feet tall still...

St. Patrick's Church's bell tower which is 137 feet tall still stands as debris from the demolition of the main part of the church is removed on Monday, May 6, 2013 in Watervilet, N.Y. By the end of the day or tomorrow they are supposed to cut off the top of the tower. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

St. Patrick's Church's bell tower which is 137 feet tall still...

Onlookers watch as debris from the demolition of St. Patrick's Church is removed on Monday, May 6, 2013 in Watervilet, N.Y. By the end of the day or tomorrow they are supposed to cut off the top of the bell tower. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

Onlookers watch as debris from the demolition of St. Patrick's...

St. Patrick's Church's bell tower which is 137 feet tall still stands as debris from the demolition of the main part of the church is removed on Monday, May 6, 2013 in Watervilet, N.Y. By the end of the day or tomorrow they are supposed to cut off the top of the tower. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

St. Patrick's Church's bell tower which is 137 feet tall still...

St. Patrick's Church's bell tower which is 137 feet tall still stands as debris from the demolition of the main part of the church is removed on Monday, May 6, 2013 in Watervilet, N.Y. By the end of the day or tomorrow they are supposed to cut off the top of the tower. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

St. Patrick's Church's bell tower which is 137 feet tall still...

St. Patrick's Church's bell tower which is 137 feet tall still stands as debris from the demolition of the main part of the church is removed on Monday, May 6, 2013 in Watervilet, N.Y. By the end of the day or tomorrow they are supposed to cut off the top of the tower. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

St. Patrick's Church's bell tower which is 137 feet tall still...

St. Patrick's Church's bell tower which is 137 feet tall still stands as debris from the demolition of the main part of the church is removed on Monday, May 6, 2013 in Watervilet, N.Y. By the end of the day or tomorrow they are supposed to cut off the top of the tower. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

St. Patrick's Church's bell tower which is 137 feet tall still...

Only the bell tower remains of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday, May 1, 2013, in Watervliet, N.Y. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)

Only the bell tower remains of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church...

Only the bell tower remains of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday, May 1, 2013, in Watervliet, N.Y. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)

Only the bell tower remains of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church...

Only the bell tower remains of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday, May 1, 2013, in Watervliet, N.Y. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)

Only the bell tower remains of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church...

The rose window remains as demolition continues at the former St. Patrick's Church on Monday, April 29, 2013, in Watervliet, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

The rose window remains as demolition continues at the former St....

Demolition continues at the former St. Patrick's Church on Monday, April 29, 2013, in Watervliet, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

Demolition continues at the former St. Patrick's Church on Monday,...

Demolition continues at the former St. Patrick's Church on Monday, April 29, 2013, in Watervliet, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

Demolition continues at the former St. Patrick's Church on Monday,...

Local spectators watch as demolition continues at the former St. Patrick's Church on Monday, April 29, 2013, in Watervliet, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

Local spectators watch as demolition continues at the former St....

A side door and windows stand among rubble as demolition continues at the former St. Patrick's Church on Monday, April 29, 2013, in Watervliet, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

A side door and windows stand among rubble as demolition continues...

Demolition continues at the former St. Patrick's Church on Monday, April 29, 2013, in Watervliet, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

Demolition continues at the former St. Patrick's Church on Monday,...

Demolition continues at the former St. Patrick's Church on Monday, April 29, 2013, in Watervliet, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

Demolition continues at the former St. Patrick's Church on Monday,...

Demolition continues at the former St. Patrick's Church on Monday, April 29, 2013, in Watervliet, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

Demolition continues at the former St. Patrick's Church on Monday,...

Demolition continues at the former St. Patrick's Church on Monday, April 29, 2013, in Watervliet, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

Demolition continues at the former St. Patrick's Church on Monday,...

Large beams and post are put in piles as demolition continues at the former St. Patrick's Church on Monday, April 29, 2013, in Watervliet, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

Large beams and post are put in piles as demolition continues at...

A decorative post rests on the ground as demolition continues at the former St. Patrick's Church on Monday, April 29, 2013, in Watervliet, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

A decorative post rests on the ground as demolition continues at...

The facade and tower remain as demolition continues at the former St. Patrick's Church on Monday, April 29, 2013, in Watervliet, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

The facade and tower remain as demolition continues at the former...

Only the tower and a portion of the west wall are left of the former St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet on Monday, April 29, 2013. (Kenneth C. Crowe II/Times Union)

Only the tower and a portion of the west wall are left of the...

Demolition continues at the St. Patrick's church site April 26, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

Demolition continues at the St. Patrick's church site April 26,...

St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church is but a shadow of its former self on Friday, April 24, 2013, in Watervliet, N.Y. The church is being demolished to make way for a Price Chopper supermarket. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)

St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church is but a shadow of its former...

Demolition continues at the St. Patrick's church site April 26, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

Demolition continues at the St. Patrick's church site April 26,...

Demolition continues at the St. Patrick's church site April 26, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

Demolition continues at the St. Patrick's church site April 26,...

Demolition continues at the St. Patrick's church site April 26, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

Demolition continues at the St. Patrick's church site April 26,...

Demolition continues at the St. Patrick's church site April 26, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

Demolition continues at the St. Patrick's church site April 26,...

Bystanders stop to watch the demolition on Tuesday, April 23, 2013, at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Watervliet, N.Y. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)

Bystanders stop to watch the demolition on Tuesday, April 23, 2013,...

Bill Mahoney of Troy talks about St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church at the demolition site in Watervliet, N.Y. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)
/ Times Union

Bystanders stop to watch the demolition on Tuesday, April 23, 2013, at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Watervliet, N.Y. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)

Bystanders stop to watch the demolition on Tuesday, April 23, 2013,...

Demolition crews work to take down St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church on Tuesday, April 23, 2013, in Watervliet, N.Y. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)

Demolition crews work to take down St. Patrick's Roman Catholic...

Demolition crews work to take down St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church on Tuesday, April 23, 2013, in Watervliet, N.Y. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)

Kelly Heffernan of Loudonville, right, is given some souvenir bricks from St. Patrick's Church Monday afternoon, April 22, 2013, in Watervliet, N.Y. The bricks were negotiated with the demolition crew by a Watervliet Police officer. Heffernan's father was baptized at the former house of worship. (Will Waldron/Times Union)

St. Patrick's church continues to be razed Thursday April 18, 2013, in Watervliet, N.Y. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

St. Patrick's church continues to be razed Thursday April 18, 2013,...

Crew ascends to take down the cross atop Saint Patrick’s Church in Watervliet. (Kenneth Crowe II/Times Union)
/ Times Union

Watervliet Fire Chief Scott Skinner talks about the department's unsuccesful attempt to remove the cross from atop St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, which is being demolished, in Watervliet, N.Y. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)
/ Times Union

St. Patrick's church continues to be razed Thursday April 18, 2013, in Watervliet, N.Y. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

St. Patrick's church continues to be razed Thursday April 18, 2013,...

St. Patrick's church continues to be razed Thursday April 18, 2013, in Watervliet, N.Y. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

St. Patrick's church continues to be razed Thursday April 18, 2013,...

St. Patrick's church continues to be razed Thursday April 18, 2013, in Watervliet, N.Y. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

St. Patrick's church continues to be razed Thursday April 18, 2013,...

St. Patrick's church continues to be razed Thursday April 18, 2013, in Watervliet, N.Y. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

St. Patrick's church continues to be razed Thursday April 18, 2013,...

Christine Bulmer holds an anti-demolition sign as she shows her history of support for St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 17, 2013, at her home in Watervliet, N.Y. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)

Christine Bulmer holds an anti-demolition sign as she shows her...

Bystanders watch the progress of demolition of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in Watervliet, N.Y. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)

Bystanders watch the progress of demolition of St. Patrick's Roman...

Partially demolished St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in Watervliet, N.Y. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)

Partially demolished St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church on...

Watervliet Fire Chief Scott Skinner, left, and and firefighter Chris Holland ride the bucket toward the cross atop St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in Watervliet, N.Y. The 95-foot ladder couldn't reach the cross and the effort was abandoned. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)

Watervliet Fire Chief Scott Skinner, left, and and firefighter...

The demolition of St. Patrick's Church this morning April 16, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

The demolition of St. Patrick's Church this morning April 16, 2013...

The demolition of St. Patrick's Church this morning April 16, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

The demolition of St. Patrick's Church this morning April 16, 2013...

Donna Wellworth posts a sign on the fence as demolition work continues Monday, April 15, 2013, at St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet, N.Y. The sign says "St. Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland, and they found a home in Watervliet." (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

Donna Wellworth posts a sign on the fence as demolition work...

Demolition work continues at St. Patrick's Church Monday morning April 15, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. The workers were removing commemorative plaques from the vestibule of the church. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

Demolition work continues at St. Patrick's Church Monday morning...

Demolition work continues at St. Patrick's Church Monday morning April 15, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. The workers were removing commemorative plaques from the vestibule of the church. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

Demolition work continues at St. Patrick's Church Monday morning...

Steve Powers, vice president, Nigro Companies, foreground is on site for the demolition of St. Patrick's Church this morning April 16, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

Steve Powers, vice president, Nigro Companies, foreground is on...

Pat LaBarge, left and John Timberlin watch the demolition of St. Patrick's Church this morning April 16, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

Pat LaBarge, left and John Timberlin watch the demolition of St....

The demolition of St. Patrick's Church this morning April 16, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

The demolition of St. Patrick's Church this morning April 16, 2013...

Demolition crews break after knocking down the right side porch on Saturday, April 13, 2013, at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Watervliet, N.Y. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)

Demolition crews break after knocking down the right side porch on...

Demolition crews knock down a side porch of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Watervliet, N.Y. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)
/ Times Union

Demolition crews knock down a side porch of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Watervliet, N.Y. (Kenneth C. Crowe II / Times Union)
/ Times Union

Construction equipment is seen outside of the former St. Patrick's Church on Sunday, April 14, 2013 in Watervliet, NY. Demolition of the church began on Saturday. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)

Construction equipment is seen outside of the former St. Patrick's...

Demolition of St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet began on Saturday morning. (Kenneth C. Crowe II/Times Union)

Demolition of St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet began on Saturday...

Demolition of St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet began on Saturday morning. (Kenneth C. Crowe II/Times Union)

Demolition of St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet began on Saturday...

Demolition of St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet began on Saturday morning. (Kenneth C. Crowe II/Times Union)

Demolition of St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet began on Saturday...

Angela Mastan of Citizens for St. Patrick's and her daughter, Olivia Miller, 6, are on site for the demolition of two side porches on Saturday, April 13, 2013, at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Watervliet, N.Y. Olivia was baptized in the church. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)

Angela Mastan of Citizens for St. Patrick's and her daughter,...

Demolition crews knock down the left side porch on Saturday, April 13, 2013, at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Watervliet, N.Y. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)

Demolition crews knock down the left side porch on Saturday, April...

Bystanders watch demolition crews knock down the left side porch on Saturday, April 13, 2013, at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Watervliet, N.Y. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)

Bystanders watch demolition crews knock down the left side porch on...

Bystanders watch demolition crews knock down the left side porch on Saturday, April 13, 2013, at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Watervliet, N.Y. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)

Bystanders watch demolition crews knock down the left side porch on...

Demolition crews pull off the copper roof from the left side porch on Saturday, April 13, 2013, at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Watervliet, N.Y. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)

Demolition crews pull off the copper roof from the left side porch...

Demolition crews remove the copper roof from the left side porch on Saturday, April 13, 2013, at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Watervliet, N.Y. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)

Demolition crews remove the copper roof from the left side porch on...

A worker removes a layer from the copper roofing on Saturday, April 13, 2013, at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Watervliet, N.Y. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)

A worker removes a layer from the copper roofing on Saturday, April...

Demolition crews remove the coating from the copper roof on Saturday, April 13, 2013, at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Watervliet, N.Y. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)

Demolition crews remove the coating from the copper roof on...

Demolition is underway of a building behind St. Patrick?s Church on Friday, April 12, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

Demolition is underway of a building behind St. Patrick?s Church on...

Demolition is underway of a building behind St. Patrick?s Church on Friday, April 12, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

Demolition is underway of a building behind St. Patrick?s Church on...

Demolition is underway of a building behind St. Patrick?s Church on Friday, April 12, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

Demolition is underway of a building behind St. Patrick?s Church on...

Demolition is underway of a building behind St. Patrick?s Church on Friday, April 12, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

Demolition is underway of a building behind St. Patrick?s Church on...

A church relic stands among rubble from the demolition of a building behind St. Patrick?s Church on Friday, April 12, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

A church relic stands among rubble from the demolition of a...

Demolition is underway of a building behind St. Patrick?s Church on Friday, April 12, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

Demolition is underway of a building behind St. Patrick?s Church on...

Demolition is underway of a building behind St. Patrick?s Church on Friday, April 12, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

Demolition is underway of a building behind St. Patrick?s Church on...

Demolition is underway of a building behind St. Patrick?s Church on Friday, April 12, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

Demolition is underway of a building behind St. Patrick?s Church on...

Exterior of St. Patrick's church on Friday, April 5, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union archive)

Exterior of St. Patrick's church on Friday, April 5, 2013 in...

A construction worker hammers at a window frame on St. Patrick's church on Friday, April 5, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

A construction worker hammers at a window frame on St. Patrick's...

St. Patrick's Church bell tower of on Thursday, April 4, 2013, in Watervliet, N.Y. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)

St. Patrick's Church bell tower of on Thursday, April 4, 2013, in...

Workers continue the preparation for the demolition of the St. Patrick's Church April 1, 2013 in Watervliet, N.Y. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

Workers continue the preparation for the demolition of the St....

Workers remove a stone wall March 12, 2013, in preparation for further demolition at St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet, N.Y. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

Workers remove a stone wall March 12, 2013, in preparation for...

A large bell is lowered by a crane as workers removed the bell from the tower of the former St. Patrick's Church building on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013, in Watervliet, NY. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)

A large bell is lowered by a crane as workers removed the bell from...

A large crane is set up alongside the former St. Patrick's Church as workers removed a large bell from the tower on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013, in Watervliet, NY. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)

A large crane is set up alongside the former St. Patrick's Church...

A large bell is lowered by a crane as workers removed the bell from the tower of the former St. Patrick's Church building on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013, in Watervliet, NY. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)

A large bell is lowered by a crane as workers removed the bell from...

People gather at the security fence to watch and take photos as workers removed a large bell from the tower of the former St. Patrick's Church building on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013, in Watervliet, NY. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)

People gather at the security fence to watch and take photos as...

A workmen remove the cross atop the former St. Patrick's church in Watervliet Tuesday Feb. 19, 2013. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

A workmen remove the cross atop the former St. Patrick's church in...

A worker prepares the cross atop the former St. Patrick's church in Watervliet for removal Tuesday Feb. 19, 2013. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

A worker prepares the cross atop the former St. Patrick's church in...

A worker prepares to remove the cross atop the former St. Patrick's church in Watervliet Tuesday Feb. 19, 2013. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

A worker prepares to remove the cross atop the former St. Patrick's...

A sign hangs on a fence in front of the remains of the bell tower on St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet on Wednesday, May 8, 2013. (Photo courtesy of Ron Schubin)

A sign hangs on a fence in front of the remains of the bell tower...

A sign on a fence on Wednesday, May 8, 2013, recalls former parishioners who were married at St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet. (Courtesy Ron Schubin)

A sign on a fence on Wednesday, May 8, 2013, recalls former...

The remains of the bell tower on St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet are shown on Wednesday, May 8, 2013. (Courtesy Ron Schubin)

The remains of the bell tower on St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet...

The silhouette of the bell tower on St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet are shown on Wednesday, May 8, 2013. (Courtesy Ron Schubin)

The silhouette of the bell tower on St. Patrick's Church in...

Locks on a fence are shown in front of the remains of the bell tower on St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet on Wednesday, May 8, 2013. (Courtesy Ron Schubin)

Locks on a fence are shown in front of the remains of the bell...

A crane removes part of the top of St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet on Thursday, May 16, 2013. (Bob Gardinier / Times Union)

A crane removes part of the top of St. Patrick's Church in...

A crane removes part of the top of St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet on Thursday, May 16, 2013. (Bob Gardinier / Times Union)

A crane removes part of the top of St. Patrick's Church in...

Police cars are covered with dust from the demolition of the former St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet on Thursday, May 16, 2013. (Bob Gardinier/Times Union)

Police cars are covered with dust from the demolition of the former...

A crane demolishes the bell tower of the former St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet on Thursday, May 16, 2013. (Bob Gardinier/Times Union)

A crane demolishes the bell tower of the former St. Patrick's...

A crane demolishes the bell tower of the former St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet on Thursday, May 16, 2013. (Bob Gardinier/Times Union)

A crane demolishes the bell tower of the former St. Patrick's...

A crane is poised near the tower of the former St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet on Thursday, May 16, 2013. (Bob Gardinier/Times Union)

A crane is poised near the tower of the former St. Patrick's Church...

A crane has already taken away chunks of the top of the bell tower at St Patrick's Church on Thursday, May 16, 2013. (Kenneth C. Crowe II / Times Union)

The 137-foot-tall bell tower at the former St. Patrick's Church lost its top Thursday as the final stage of demolition got underway at the doomed house of worship.

"This looks like the end. It makes you feel sad," said John Barno of Fourth Avenue, who played on its grounds while growing up and has watched the church razing every day.

The clank and squeak of a steel clamshell crushing mortar and rapid-fire noise of thousands of bricks landing on a debris pile dominated the downtown air.

Large crowds braved tall, wind-driven plumes of fine reddish dust that by day's end covered everything downwind of the site.

The demolition pace was slowed at times as workers paused to let the dust settle before putting the approximately 200-foot-tall wrecking crane back to work.

To keep dust down, crews used water from three large hoses to soak the lower portion of the building. But the hoses were not powerful enough to reach the highest parts of the tower.

Silence settled over the watching crowd — some on lawn chairs, others standing — and those walking by. A week earlier, two failed attempts to topple the tower over two days had crowds cheering. Citizens for St. Patrick's, a grassroots group, had waged a legal battle to block demolition of the lofty church, modeled after the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception at Lourdes, France.

"I loved the architecture of the church, just loved it," said Ruth Clements of Brunswick, who also has watched the demolition everyday.

On Thursday, residents seemed resolved that the prominent tower, which defined the city skyline for 123 years, was disappearing brick by brick.

Crews had leveled the rest of the 19th Street church, but the tower had resisted more than a week's efforts to bring it down.

On Wednesday, a specialized crane was brought in and the work got underway in earnest Thursday morning.

A 40,200-square-foot Price Chopper and two smaller commercial buildings are to go up after the property is cleared. The former St. Patrick's School and six residences await the demolition crews after they finish with the tower.